LOS ANGELES (AP) — Narciso Barranco, a landscaper arrested last year in Southern California, has had his deportation case dismissed, putting him on a path to legal residency in the U.S. Barranco, originally from Mexico and a father of three U.S. Marines, was taken into custody during a federal immigration crackdown that sparked widespread protests.
In June 2023, Barranco was apprehended while working outside an IHOP in Santa Ana, Orange County. His arrest, which was filmed by witnesses, showed agents using force to subdue him. Following this, Barranco was placed in deportation proceedings but subsequently released on a $3,000 bond in July, subjected to wearing an ankle monitor.
Judge Kristin S. Piepmeier ultimately terminated the deportation case, noting Barranco's status as a parent of military personnel made him eligible for lawful residency. Barranco expressed gratitude after the ruling, stating, Thank God I don’t have that weight on top of me, while remaining cautious and avoiding public outings until his legal paperwork is finalized.
Despite the positive ruling, the Department of Homeland Security announced its intention to appeal the decision. Barranco's attorney, Lisa Ramirez, highlighted that her client had no criminal history and described the traumatic nature of the arrest as unjust, emphasizing that he was targeted as a gardener.
Barranco has applied for a program known as Parole in Place, which protects the parents of U.S. military members from deportation, and could eventually allow him to obtain permanent residency and a work permit. The approval process is expected to take several months.
Amidst this, DHS officials maintained their stance that Barranco posed a threat during his arrest, alleging he did not comply with commands and swung his weed trimmer at an agent, a claim disputed by Barranco’s family.
My father did not attack anyone, had no criminal record and is kind and hardworking, said Barranco’s son, reflecting on the unnecessary use of force during the arrest. With his two brothers currently serving in the Marines, the family continues their efforts toward a hopeful resolution in Barranco’s immigration status.
